Savills Portugal

First impressions are everything and a property that has buyer appeal in the summer sunshine, might not look quite so alluring in the autumn gloom. So if you’re planning to put your home on the open market in the coming months, here’s how to improve your chances of a quick sale.

Gardens and gutters
Piles of fallen leaves can give the impression that your garden is uncared for as well as making it look smaller so clear them away. Also check leaves are not blocking the gutters as this can create problems with water drainage which in turn could stain or damage paintwork.

Keep gardens as tidy as possible and perhaps add a few late-flowering plants to brighten it up. If you’ve got a fire pit, don’t forget to point it out as it shows how the garden can be a useful/useable feature outside the summer months.
Smarten up
Give the front door a fresh coat of paint, buy a new door mat and, if necessary, replace crooked or rusted door numbers. A PIR motion sensor light by the front door is another welcoming touch if the viewing is in late afternoon/early evening.
Get the lighting right
Use the season to your advantage: if the house feels dark, make the most of it and create a homely, welcoming space with some cleverly placed lighting. If practical, turn on the lights in every room before a viewing. This is particularly important if you have any of those old energy efficient bulbs which take a few seconds to reach full brightness. Try to use side or table lamps rather than harsher ambient lighting and if there are any broken bulbs, replace them.
Scented candles
The aroma of winter spices can conjure up images of a cosy family Christmas by the fire – but bear in mind that not everyone likes scented candles; indeed, there is now some evidence to show they can be a danger to both health and the environment. So it might be prudent to extinguish them before a viewing or avoid them altogether.
Light your fire
A working fireplace, whether gas or real, can be a great marketing tool. Studies have shown that a crackling fire can help to reduce blood pressure and promote relaxation: perfect for making viewers feel at home.
Appeal to the imagination
Telling viewers (or asking your agent to tell them) how you use various spaces for entertaining, and so on, will help them to imagine living there themselves.